Crusaders rest key duo

Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder has opted to rest Sam Whitelock and Matt Todd against the Western Force this weekend.

Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder has opted to rest Sam Whitelock and Matt Todd against the Western Force this weekend.

Blackadder has made four changes to the starting XV that played the Sharks last Friday night.

Corey Flynn returns to the No.2 jersey, moving Ben Funnell to the bench. The game will mark the 250th first-class game of rugby for Flynn, a record that is shared by only 50 players in the history of New Zealand Rugby.

Dominic Bird replaces Whitelock while Shane Christie earns his first appearance for the Crusaders in the No.7 jersey. In the backline, Israel Dagg returns to fullback, moving Tom Marshall to the wing and Zac Guildford onto the bench.

Dan Carter has been ruled out of this weekend’s game following a hamstring strain sustained at training. He has returned to New Zealand and will undergo further medical assessment but is likely to be out of the game for a couple of weeks. .